Analysis of ‘The Road Not Taken’

Analysis of ‘The Road Not Taken’

Choices that people make in modern times can have a lasting impression on future activities. It is imperative that individuals pay a keen attention to choices at hand before making decisions. Robert Frost, in his poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ echoed the sensitivity involved in decision making that often results in regrets.  While the poem touches most readers due to its simplicity, a detailed analysis reveals poem’s hidden meaning.

Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’ is arguably one of the most popular and familiar poems. It has four stanzas, each consisting five lines. On average, each line has no more than ten syllabi in iambic rhythm. In fact, each stanza’s lines rhyme as per ABAAB pattern. Symbolic simplicity popularizes the poem.  The poem’s speaker ought to make a choice regarding different paths in the woods. Metaphorically, each choice represents a direction in life. However, the poem is open for varied interpretations according to reader’s feelings towards the speaker.

Frost utilized the first person while writing the poem. The use of first person raises concerns and uncertainties regarding the individuality of the speaker. It is undeniable that Frost created a character for the poem, but readers cannot rule out a possibility that the poet is indeed the speaker.

The first stanza involves the speakers' regrets as he comes to a halt where the road splits to two paths. He wishes that he could take both paths, but it is not possible—he has to make a choice. In the second stanza, he settles on taking one road. However, as the poem enters a third stanza, he gains hope of a return sometimes in the future to take an alternate path. As the third stanza ends, fear, regret and sorrow grip the speaker. This is evident in his changing tone. A reality hits him that it will never be possible to take a walk on the alternate path. In the fourth stanza, speaker worries that his ‘wrong choice’ will stare at him in the future, reminding him of how wrong he was to abandon the alternate path.  The realization forms the basis of poem’s title.

Three-Dimensional Metaphor

The effectiveness of Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’ poem is visible in an elaborate metaphor. Besides,  a reader can easily be caught in it. While it is clear from the beginning that the poem is metaphoric, a reader feels his/her presence as events unfold. It is easy to feel the atmospheric crisp and yellow leaves rustling on the trees. It is not surprising for a reader to assume speaker’s position.  The poet succeeds in portraying his imaginative skills to a level of capturing a reader’s attention, especially through the use of detailed description.

The poem’s setting is not only imaginary but also it is made up of two dimensions— height and width. An addition of depth as a third dimension to the setting is made possible by a description of undergrowth, yet such place is nonexistent in real-life. In fact, the poet intended to show difficulties involved in making career decisions.

In the last stanza, metaphor ceases to be a real location with trees and roads—it reverts to a simple metaphor, again. The speaker looks back on his life journey and choices he did not take. It is hard to determine what lies at the end of the road speaker did not take. However, any reader of the poem will be glad that the poet failed to take it.

The poet took vital steps to immortalize ‘The Road Not Taken’. It is the reason why this poem is still sensational in the modern times. The speaker himself has a feeling that actually, he is immortal.  He believes that he can be born again after his death. On the other hand, it is arguable that the speaker is already dead and is telling his story as a dead person aware of his immortality.

Themes

There are several themes that the poem captures. For instance, choices’ concept features in the split of directions and the speaker’s need to take a single path. The theme can be related to life choices because the speaker finds it hard to settle on a particular path, which is mostly the case in real life. The poem reiterates that choices made are life-changing.   Secondly, there is a theme of exploration in the speaker’s presence in the woods without a map. As such, he has no idea regarding a path to take. Ultimately he forges on regardless of possible challenges. This teaches people the importance of defining stance and being prepared for the consequences.  Lastly, a theme of hope in the face of adversity is seen in the speaker’s willingness to move on because of possibilities that the chosen road presented. He hopes that he will return to take the abandoned path should chosen path become disastrous.

In summary, Robert Frost demonstrated his poetic knowledge and the need to relate poetry to human activities. He carefully navigates around human mortality, hence making the poem timeless and relevant for all ages. Besides, he simplifies the symbolism of the poem to make it open to varied interpretations.